The 14 Best Kayak Trips in South Africa

1.Marine Life Kayak Tour From the V&A Waterfront

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 640 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Our pick

Paddle from the V&A Waterfront into Table Bay with Atlantic Outlook guides such as Zak, Ande, Renier, or Jordan. You’ll use stable kayaks, learn as you go, and look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish beneath views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill.

“It exceeded all our expectations. Definitely one of the top experiences. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone 🐬🐧”

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2.Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 228 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Paddle from Hout Bay Harbour with a small group of up to 10, guided in English or Afrikaans by staff such as Clarence, Clemon, or Chadley. Expect two hours on the Atlantic, Cape Fur Seals, possible dolphins and penguins, local stories, and a wet, weather-dependent outing.

“We have spend at least 40 minutes kayaking around with dolphins 🐬 which was life-changing. Guides were super nice and helpful, we felt safe and entertained and we'll informed the whole time. Location is also great with huge parking, facilities, cafe and a cool market where you can buy souvenirs afterwards. I would recommend it to anyone!”

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3.Atlantic Outlook Kayak Tour Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $29Top rated

Atlantic Outlook takes beginners and experienced paddlers onto the Atlantic from the V&A Waterfront for about two hours. Your guide supplies the kayak and safety gear, leads the route toward Sea Point, and points out Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, the stadium, and marine life. David may even add lounge music from his kayak.

“Guys are cool. But in general it wasn’t organized well. We experienced kayak tour with other company and can compare. Price is more or less the same but more benefits with other company. I will not use Atlantic service any more.”

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4.Cape Town Kayak Adventure in Table Mountain Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $28

Meet your guide at Three Anchor Bay for a safety briefing and tandem kayak lesson, then paddle 3 to 4 km toward Clifton or the V&A Waterfront. Guides such as Dylan, Leon, and Josh lead small groups past Green Point Lighthouse, shipwrecks, and possible dolphin and seal sightings.

“My teenage son and I decided to go kayaking when we were on our vacation in Cape Town. It was our first time in Cape Town. A friend of mine who is from Cape Town recommended this to get a different perspective from water to see Table Read more”

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5.Guided Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 121 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Set out from Central Beach for a two-hour guided sea kayak with Dolphin Adventures Sea Kayaking. Guides such as Tristan and Giovanni explain safety, ocean life, and local sights while you paddle toward views of Robberg Nature Reserve and the Tsitsikamma mountains. Expect salt water, changing conditions, and possible sightings of dolphins, seals, whales, birds, or sharks.

“whale came up right next to our kayak, amazing encounter”

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6.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Join Truth Kayaking at Mouille Point for a two-hour Atlantic paddle in a stable surfski. English-speaking guides such as Vincent and Shanti lead you past Green Point Lighthouse, with chances to see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. Finish with showers, Wi-Fi, music, and smoothies, matcha, or coffee.

“An absolute vibe from start to finish! The guides were absolute legends, kept the energy high, had us laughing the whole time and ended up hanging out afterwards with a matcha and bagel. Obviously the views of Cape town from the water are unreal but getting to see dolphins and even some whales on this particular outing was extra special. Honestly, couldn't recommend it enough.”

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7.Knysna Kayak Hire

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 30 reviews · 1 hour · from $15

At 23 Sawtooth Lane, near Heads Up Coffee and Co, you’ll receive a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and safety briefing before setting off on a private, self-guided hour on Knysna Lagoon. Choose a single or double kayak, follow the marked area, and stop for sun and beach time.

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8.Guided Kayak Tour of Clifton Beaches & The Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Meet your English-speaking guide at the orange gazebo on Clifton 4th Beach. Paddle a single or double kayak across Clifton Bay, look for seals, explore kelp forests and rock pools near Maiden’s Cove, and use a mask to view the water below. The 90-minute tour costs $49 per person.

“what a brilliant experience. I have been coming to Cape Town and Clifton my whole life, but kayaking through the crystal waters of Clifton bay and seeing the kelp forests below was spectacular! our guides were fantastic too! highly, highly recommend.”

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9.Kayaking Jeffreys Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Meet at Kabeljouws Lagoon in Jeffreys Bay for a two-hour, self-guided paddle. An English-speaking instructor gives you a short safety briefing, provides a stable kayak and life jacket, then lets you explore at your own pace. The lagoon is shallow, scenic, and best enjoyed in calm weather.

“Dies ist keine geführte Tour! Es werden Kajaks ausgehändigt und man kann 2 h paddeln. Der Guide erklärt wo man paddeln und ist zum Ende wieder am Ausgangspunkt. Es gibt kein Büro oder Ähnliches am Treffpunkt. Der Guide kommt aber zur vereinbarten Uhrzeit.”

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10.Addo River Safari – Guided Tour via Canoe

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49

Drift down the Sundays River near Addo in an ultra-stable canoe with an English-speaking guide. No paddling experience is needed. Watch for waterbirds, seven kingfisher species, fish eagles, monitor lizards, monkeys, and otters while enjoying drinks, snacks, and quiet river views.

“Very professional group, and we had a great time!”

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11.Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $21

Join Animal Ocean for a two-hour guided kayak trip in Hout Bay. You’ll paddle beneath the harbor jetties, visit Cape Fur seals, and cross the bay toward Chapman’s Peak. Guides including Jesse, Liv, and Dan lead the outing in English. Kayaks, safety gear, showers, changing rooms, and Wi-Fi are included.

“We had a great time kayaking - we saw some dolphins and seals also the instructur was so lovely! Would recommend anybody to try it!”

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12.CANOEING IN SEDGEFIELD AT OYSTERS EDGE, GARDEN ROUTE

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

Join an English-speaking host for a private two-hour paddle on Sedgefield Lagoon. You’ll receive a canoe, paddle, and life jacket, with a guide following nearby for safety. Look for herons, kingfishers, and African fish eagles, then claim your included drink at Oysters Edge.

“it was fun but 2 hours are enough. The staff was very helpfull and friendly.”

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13.Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental with Basic Training

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 day · from $19

Meet at Battery Park opposite the V&A Waterfront Ferrari Garage. An English-speaking instructor shows you the basics, then you take a stand-up paddleboard onto Cape Town’s canals for one hour. You need to be comfortable in water, and staff may help with photos.

“We had such a great experience at SUP. The service was excellent and really made us want to come back. The staff made us feel safe and comfortable, and they went the extra mile by taking photos for us. Highly recommend!”

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14.knysna Lagoon Kayak Hire

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $12Best value

You paddle a kayak across Knysna Lagoon from The Water Club, opposite The Turbine Hotel & Spa. Kayak hire includes a life vest and paddle, while you bring water, sun protection, swimwear, and a waterproof bag. The trip returns to its starting point.

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